MadridManSpain
American expat in Spain
Forum posts
39
Contacts
28
About me
American
Lives in Madrid
Speaks English, Spanish
Registration: 07 July 2008
Reality check on unemployment
Hi, Turco1! Spain's national unemployment HAS dropped, but not by much. It's not as bad in Madrid and Catalonia, however. Some people attribute the drop to the number of people no longer receiving unemployment benefits and so they're no ... Read More
Work visa by cleshinski
Looking to move overseas from the states. Worried about the visa situation and how it would work if I don't have a work visa. How do I get to visit the states and still live overseas without getting in trouble?
Yup. rosbentley's right. Ask at your local embassy or consulate for the different visas available - but there aren't many for people wanting to pick-up-and-move just-because. One visa - which isn't really a visa at all, allows US ... Read More
Work in spain
rosebentley is right. Unemployment is at about 26% in general and 50+% for young people. Foreigners have a MUCH MUCH higher unemployment rate. Salaries, hourly rates, and workers benefits continue to go down while the cost of living keeps going ... Read More
Thinking seriously about moving to Spain - Which area would be best? by fisher14
Hello From the United States! My wife and I have decided to live abroad, (as we call it) and are looking very seriously at Spain. We have both worked in the movie industry all of our lives and find a very simple life much more attractive for our 4 ...
Members JB80 and JayKayTee, above, have two of the best answers. USA's economic troubles seem dire when living there, but comparing it to many/most other places on earth it's a paradise - economically speaking. Spain is actually a VERY good ... Read More
Searching for Pimms in Madrid by tinaboydell
Hi, I'm English and it's definitely Pimms O'Clock already but where oh where can I buy some Pimms in Madrid. I have searched a few places, including El Corte Ingles with no luck. Help please!
Okay, I'll bite. What are "pimms"?? I'll guess it's a kind of "adult beverage", but haven't heard of it, probably because I'm not English. ;) Saludos, MadridMan Read More
Social connections in Madrid?
Let's do it! Send Private Messages to one another to set the date. Saludos, MadridMan @ http://MadridMan.com! Read More
New to madrid by GuestPoster1007
Hi everyone! I just moved to Madrid about 4 days ago. I barely speak Spanish but came over for a great job opportunity but I don't know anyone my age. I'm originally from Florida buy also lived in new jersey as well. Currently I am staying with ...
Welcome to Madrid! You'll love it, I'm sure. Just keep an open mind. Hope you're not a vegetarian. If you are, that's cool, but it'll make assimilation a little more challenging. I'm usually free/flexible and glad to meet new people. I'm from Ohio, ... Read More
AMERICAN FOOTBALL!! by maria_nicholas
Hello! I'm desperately (I know so dramatic!) looking for a great place in Madrid where I can catch some American Football....well mostly the Chicago Bears games!! Any midwesterners out there??? Even Packer fans---we've got a huge game this Sunday ...
Hello, Mar铆a! I'm a Midwesterner, too, from Ohio, living/working in Madrid. Finding places to watch NFL Football in Madrid is next to impossible. I watch some of the games on Canal+ on TV at home, but the earliest Sunday game starts, as you ... Read More
Social connections in Madrid?
Hi! I'm from Ohio, USA and living in Madrid for nearly 6-years now. I'm also over 40, educated, love good Spanish food and wine, cooking, fitness, and working (freelance) - but my schedule could not be more flexible. If you'd like to get together to ... Read More
Why spanish are always amazed when I say I like Madrid ?
I think it's pretty natural to loathe the place where you're from or where you live. As they say, "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence." Also, France has worldwide reputation as being a wonderful, magical, romantic place. I'm ... Read More
Expats with a job or freelance expats ? by furisern
I have been living in Madrid for more than 3 years, with a job in a french company. Now, I am going freelance, 'autonomo'. I am curious to know how many of expats are working with a company and how many are freelance. And, from the freelances, any ...
I've been "autonomo" for the last 5.5 years here in Madrid, am United Statesen, and have been sending invoices to clients the entire time. Submitting your invoices to "the powers that be" on your own can be daunting, particularly if you don't speak ... Read More
Public transportation in Madrid by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Madrid ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
Public Transportation in Madrid is fantastic, both metro/subway and bus networks work well, efficient, and practically the cheapest mode of public transportation in Europe. A single metro/bus ticket costs 1.50 Euros and a 10-trip ticket (used for ... Read More
New to Madrid by maria_nicholas
Hello there! I just moved to Madrid this week, and am reaching out to meet as many people as I can...of course I want to put myself out there and gain some Spanish friends and practice my Spanish...but the comfort of some American friends, ...
Welcome to Madrid, maria_nicholas! I have no doubt you'll make friends in no time. The usual "Intercambios" at O'Neils on Tuesdays and The Beer Station on Thursdays will no doubt have your Facebook Friends File bursting at the seems in no time. At ... Read More
How to make friends in Madrid by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Madrid :top: [b]Which are your best tips ...
Yup, the days/times/places remain as I mentioned above: Tuesday night at 10pm there's an "Intercambio" (cultural exchange) at O'Neills Irish pub on Calle Pr铆ncipe (near Puerta del Sol). On Thursdays at 10pm there's another gathering at "The Beer ... Read More
Stay in Madrid by Rinku
Hello People, I will arriving In Madrid on Jan'2010 for a work assignment. All I know for now is that my work place will be located at Avda. Leonardo da Vinci 8, 2潞-124 28906-Getafe (Madrid) So was wondering would it a good idea to stay somewhere ...
You won't be able to buy-then-register a car IN Spain unless you're already a resident. And you won't be able to DRIVE a car IN Spain without a drivers license recognized by the government's list - which includes most European states as well as most ... Read More
Smart shops in Madrid
Hmm... "Smart shops".... There are a number of classy, rather pricey clothing & shoe shops in the Barrio de Salamanca area. Is that what you seek? Saludos, MadridMan @ http://MadridMan.com! Read More
ANYONE GOING TO SEE STING ON FRIDAY?
Yeah, but there are STILL tickets available? If so, I'll try to grab a couple. Thanks!! Saludos, BarcelonaMan @ http://BarcelonaMan.com! Read More
ANYONE GOING TO SEE STING ON FRIDAY?
Are there still tickets available? I was sure it was sold-out. How did you get yours? Saludos, BarcelonaMan @ http://BarcelonaMan.com! Read More
Stay in Madrid by Rinku
Hello People, I will arriving In Madrid on Jan'2010 for a work assignment. All I know for now is that my work place will be located at Avda. Leonardo da Vinci 8, 2潞-124 28906-Getafe (Madrid) So was wondering would it a good idea to stay somewhere ...
I just looked it up on Google Maps - and yes, that address, your future workplace, is pretty secluded from not only Getafe itself but even more secluded from Madrid City. In fact, on Google Maps, there still aren't even any buildings built yet but ... Read More
Living in Madrid: Which neighborhood ? by Tom_goes_Spain
Hi, For my work, I will be moving to Madrid (the city). The office will be close to the Airport, but I like to live in Madrid (the city). Now, my company will start looking for accomodation, but I like to know what are good neighborhoods to live in ...
Sometimes it's not a question of simply choosing. Sometimes it's an economical question as some areas are much more expensive than others. In your case, it seems that price is no object. GOOD FOR YOU!!! Do you want to live in OLD downtown? If so, ... Read More
New to Madrid by Ada1122
I am brand new to Madrid and looking for some friends to hang out with. I'm 20, from the Sates (Michigan), and am a student of Spanish and Hispanic Studies at Nebrija until June. I am into the night life, live music, dancing, afternoon coffee, ...
Welcome to Madrid, my fellow Midwestern!! I'm from Ohio - that state down south. ;) I'd be happy to meet with you but my advice is to concentrate on making Spanish friends instead of American ones. It's those Spanish people who'll make your ... Read More
We want to move to Madrid! :) by sunnycalih
Hi all! I am an american, living in Oregon at the moment. My fiance lives in Acapulco, MEX. He has his passport, and is looking to move to Spain and start work, maybe rent a room somewhere. I am planning on moving over there once he has settled in, ...
Financially/Security-speaking, you and your fiance would be better off living/working in the USA if he can get his green card. Surely, you'll be able to marry and, with a little time and patience, he too will be able to live/work legally in the USA ... Read More
Places to live. by mevbarros
Hello. I'm from Brazil and I'll move to Madrid in few months. I'm looking for the best places to live. A friend of mine lives in Principe Pio, near "Campo del Moro". What do you think about this place? Best, Maria Eduarda
This area of Madrid has many positives and only a few negatives but the positives outweigh the negatives, in my opinion, and I don't live too far away from here. The negatives is that downtown is UPHILL, up the "Cuesta de San Vicente". The ... Read More
MOBILE FOOD VAN SPAIN by neilfox
Hi,can anyone tell me if it is legal to run a mobile food van(poss fish and chips)in Spain?.How does the laws in Spain work?
In the small villages of Cant谩bria (in northern Spain), these town-to-town food vans are totally common. There's the bread van, the fish van, the meat van, and sometimes the dried goods van too. The fish/meat vans have refrigeration units from where ... Read More
Food Shopping by JenWilkinson
I will be moving to Madrid at the end of the Month and have visited several times however I can only find Lidl and other Super Markets to do food shopping. Could anyone tell me where is the best place to do fresh food shopping in the centre of ...
So you're already here (in Madrid). Where have you found to do your shopping? Every neighborhood has its own markets and there you'd find the fresh fish, fruits & vegetables, meats & fish, and other food staples. However, there I wouldn't ... Read More
Money Saving Tips in Madrid
Someone mentioned a website to me recently regarding cheap/free things to do in Madrid. http://madridfree.com/. These are things to DO, of course, and not necessarily ways to SAVE money on living expenses. You can save money by not contracting ... Read More
How to make friends in Madrid by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Madrid :top: [b]Which are your best tips ...
chriuk1888, et.al., every Tuesday night at 10pm there's an "Intercambio" (cultural exchange) at O'Neills Irish pub on Calle Pr铆ncipe (near Puerta del Sol). On Thursdays at 10pm there's another gathering at "The Beer Station" on the Plaza de Santo ... Read More
How to make friends in Madrid by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Madrid :top: [b]Which are your best tips ...
There are all kinds of Intercambios and Meetups in Madrid. On Tuesday nights at 10pm there's an "Intercambio de Idiomas" at O'Neil's Irish Pub near Puerta del Sol. On Wednesday nights at 10pm there's another social "intercambio" in Bar Madrid near ... Read More
Spanish Newyorker moving to Madrid
Roommates are pretty easily found. Plus, around the universities you'll always find postings by people seeking roommates to share expenses. How to specifically find an "anglophone" might be more challenging but I know at least one American (with ... Read More
US Citizens getting permission to live in BCN (non-working status) by rday7
It has been a dream of mine to live in Spain. Am fluent in Spanish. We'd like to live in Barcelona for 1 yr (our 16 son would finish high school at an English or French school, which I'm researching) We're NOT planning to work in Spain. My husband ...
I went to see an immigration lawyer here in Madrid, thinking it could facilitate things, making things easier and maybe even faster. IT WASN'T. The lawyer gave me a general outline and told me to go to the "immigration office" on Calle General ... Read More
US Citizens getting permission to live in BCN (non-working status) by rday7
It has been a dream of mine to live in Spain. Am fluent in Spanish. We'd like to live in Barcelona for 1 yr (our 16 son would finish high school at an English or French school, which I'm researching) We're NOT planning to work in Spain. My husband ...
Take a look at my regional Spanish Consulate office's website at http://www.consulate-spain-chicago.com/, click Visas at the menu at left, and see the list of possible visas. I'm pretty sure you, an American, cannot live legally in Spain for more ... Read More
Living in Spain by expat.com
You are living in Spain, or you used to live in Spain. [b]Share your experience![/b] How would you describe life in Spain? Has it been complicated to settle down, to find an accommodation and a job? Is it complicated to make friends in Spain? ...
How would you describe life in Spain? MY life or the life of Spaniards living in Spain? Or both? Well, life differs greatly from the cities to the villages to the coasts so it's dangerous to generalize. Life, I think, is pretty darn rich in Spain, ... Read More
Do and don't in Spain by expat.com
Are you living in Spain? We need you to share your experience of the local customs :) Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Spain? Could you please share with us a list of the [b] do's and don't's in Spain?[/b] Thanks!
I've been living in Madrid for 3-years now, but had been visiting annually for the previous 10 years. Wow. Local customs of Spain. How many hours do I want to spend on this reply??? Meals: meal hours and quantities are different in Spain than in ... Read More
How to make friends in Madrid by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in Madrid :top: [b]Which are your best tips ...
There are a number of "Meetup" or "Intercambios" in Madrid which provides an environment to meet people from other cultures. Both usually take place on scheduled nights in bars, oftentimes in Irish Pubs. "Meetups" are just that, they bring people ... Read More
English speaking companies/Jobs in Barcelona by missparkes
Hello.... Just a lil Hello from rainy Manchester!! Im moving to Barcelona in Feb... I lvoe the place so much and cant wait to get there!! The only problem is I understand I can't and wont be earning the same kind of money Im earning in the UK, as ...
I've gotten many messages similar to yours, mainly asking how Americans or English people can get jobs in Spain with American/English companies. The sad truth is that those American/English companies hire Spaniards almost exclusively so they won't ... Read More
Moving to Madrid
September 2007 has come and gone and you've surely already moved to Madrid - and maybe, by now, you've moved back from whence you came. Salamanca y Arg眉elles and two of the nicer areas in Madrid. You could have also considered the Calle de San ... Read More